April 02, 2011

Emanuel gives South Side aldermanic candidate a boost

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel today added the personal touch to his financial support and endorsement of 17th Ward Ald. Latasha Thomas, appearing with her at a get-out-the-vote rally in advance of Tuesday's runoff election.

Thomas, an 11-year City Council veteran, faces David Moore in the head-to-head contest. Moore says Thomas has let things slip in the ward, which includes parts of Englewood, West Englewood and Gresham.

But in his first announced appearance at a campaign event hosted by a candidate in one of the 14 aldermanic runoffs, Emanuel told a crowd at the New Friendship Baptist Church in Englewood that he likes the work Thomas has done, particularly in bringing several grocery stores into the area.

Emanuel said he plans to ask grocery store chains to present citywide plans for opening new outlets. He said Thomas’ success bringing Sav-A-Lot stores and an Aldi to the ward at a time when several Chicago neighborhoods have become food deserts shows she understands how to make things happen.

“I want a partner who knows what we need in our neighborhoods for economic development, job creation and nutritional health of these children. I need Latasha Thomas on my side,” he said to applause.

Emanuel has been backing Thomas’ candidacy with money as well. Since the first round of aldermanic voting Feb. 22, Emanuel’s New Chicago Committee political fund has contributed $16,189 to pay for mailers for Thomas, and $3,383 for phone calls to identify possible supporters, according to state election records. The For a Better Chicago political fund, which is aligned with Emanuel's interests, has given Thomas an additional $11,000, records show.

The mayor-elect has made endorsements in nine of the 14 runoffs, and is supporting several of the aldermanic candidates he backs with New Chicago funds.

Tonight, Emanuel is scheduled to attend the “Night of 100 Stars” awards gala at DuSable Museum.

All 50 aldermen on the Chicago City Council had to file paperwork earlier this year detailing their outside income and gifts. The Tribune took that ethics paperwork and posted the information here for you to see. You can search by ward number or alderman's last name.

The Cook County Assessor's office has put together lists of projected median property tax bills for all suburban towns and city neighborhoods. We've posted them for you to get a look at who's paying more and who's paying less.

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